For all of their possession, the Gunners were limited to a handful of shots on target by Villa's back line and Arteta's changes were not sufficient to bring about the equalizer.
The Londoners were all too often sloppy in possession and not purposeful enough going forward with Willian's second half introduction and lack of contribution symptomatic of their struggles.
Sometimes questioned for his lapses in concentration but rarely for his leadership and influence, the England international delivered a performance of the highest quality with a number of key tackles and interceptions.
Mings snuffed out a number of promising Arsenal opportunities before they could come to fruition and was part of a very good back line showing from Smith's side.
Martinez left Arsenal for Villa with a heavy heart and completed a bittersweet double over his former clubs with a handful of very good saves as the home defense held firm to deny the Gunners.
He has been worth every penny so far and continues to have a tangible impact on results and the Villans' rise up the Premier League table after last season's brush with relegation.
- Arsenal hit 37-year low in Aston Villa loss as Arteta's side reach double figures for defeatsGoal.com
- Arteta angered by more costly mistakes from Arsenal after being 'better team' in Aston Villa defeatGoal.com
- Arteta's Arsenal frustration mounts as Villa pinch all three pointsIrish Examiner
- Villa beats Arsenal 1-0 thanks to goal after 74 secondsOlean Times Herald
- Watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Live Stream Premier League SoccerThe Manual
- Ollie Watkins' early strike enough for Aston Villa to sink blunt ArsenalThe Guardian
- Ollie Watkins strikes early as Aston Villa sink ArsenalIndependent Online
- Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE REACTION: Limp Gunners beaten as Watkins' early strike gives home side all three pointsThe Irish Sun
- SportBBC News
